Upright vacuum cleaner{13 drive motor control

ABSTRACT

A vacuum cleaner structure having self-propelling means. A handle is associated with the vacuum cleaner and the selfpropelling means to drive the vacuum cleaner in accordance with force applied forwardly or rearwardly to the handle. The handle is biased to an Off position. The driving force developed by the propelling means varies as a function of the displacement of the handle from the Off position.

United States Patent [191 Hetland 1 1 Dec. 24, 1974 UPRIGHT VACUUMCLEANER-DRIVE MOTOR CONTROL [75] Inventor: Thomas Erwin Hetland, WhiteBear Lake, Minn. [73] Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor,Mich.

[22] Filed: Jan. 115, 11973 [21] Appl. No.: 323,780

[52] US. Cl 318/257, 318/295, 318/345 [51] lnt. Cl. H02p 5/16 [58] Fieldof Search 318/256, 257, 291, 293, 318/295, 313, 345, 260, 271, 276, 305,416, 436

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS I 3,402,338 9/1968 Thoresen318/345 3,461,371 8/1969 Klayman 318/345 3,441,828 4/1969 Henry 318/3453,475,676 10/1969 Hutson 318/313 3,551,787 2/1970 Walters 318/3453,582,744 6/1971 Coffey 318/313 3,601,673 8/1971 Mason 318/345 3,628,11512/1971 Pruitt 318/345 3,753,065 8/1973 Chiles 318/295 PrimaryExaminer-Robert K. Sehaefer Assistant ExaminerThomas Langer Attorney,Agent, or Firmllofgren, Wegner, Allen, Stellman & McCord [57] ABSTRACT Avacuum cleaner structure having self-propelling means. A handle isassociated with the vacuum cleaner and the self-propelling means todrive the vacuum cleaner in accordance with force applied forwardly orrearwardly to the handle. The handle is biased to an Off position. Thedriving force developed by the propelling means varies as a function ofthe displacement of the handle from the Off position.

11 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures r 5 Sheets-Sheet l Patented Dec. 24, I'M

Patented Dec. 24, 1974 5 Sheets-Sheet I,

Patented Dec. 24, 1974 3,857,076

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Dec. 24, 197 3,857,076

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to vacuum cleaners and the like, and inparticular to an improved control means for use in propelling vacuumcleaners and the like.

2. Description of the Prior Art United'States Letters Patent which wouldappear to be pertinent to the present invention are as follows:

716,065 Ledwinka Automobile 1,076,652 I-Ioffmann Driving Mechanism forVehicles 1,098,849 Smart et a1 Switch 1,242,l l5 Russel Switch forDental Instruments 1,723,371 Pieper Combined Tool Handle and Switch1,813,856 Klein Direct Drive for Antifriction Roller Bearing Free Wheels1,953,340 Doemling Suction Cleaner 2,041,442 Stinsman Floor PolishingMachine 2,138,239 lrgens Self-Propelled Implement 2,348,053 BowkerElectrically Operated Motor Vehicles 2,706,008 Voigt Powered Golf BagCarrier 2,823,41 1 Kirby Vacuum Cleaner 2,879,858 Thomas BatteryEnergized, Motor- Driven Vehicle 2,937,706 Chandler Self-Pro elled Carts3,095,534 Cockrell Circuit or Controlling Energization of a DirectCurrent Load 3,195,029 Gilbreath Series Motor Control 3,222,582 Heymanet a1 Variable Speed Motor System Utilizing Controlled Rectifiers3,225,853 Norton et a1 Control Handle for Golf Cart 3,354,496 .lonssonSuction Cleaner Nozzle of the Agitator Type 3,385,077 Marsteller AirConditioner 3,475,676 Hutson Photosensitive Power Control System3,489,874 Baumann Control Switch for an Electric Dry Razor Smart et a1.U.S. Pat. No. 1,098,849 show a switch adapted to be operated by thelongitudinal movement of an actuating member.

Russell U.S. Pat. No. 1,242,l shows a longitudinal movable switch foruse in a dental instrument. Pieper U.S. Pat. No. 1,723,371 shows asimilar switch.

Klein U.S. Pat. No. 1,813,856 shows a drive having an electric motor foreach of a plurality of wheels.

Doemling U.S. Pat. No. 1,953,340 shows a vacuum cleaner wherein anagitator is driven from an actuating motor separate from the fan motor.

Stinsrnan U.S. Pat. No. 2,041,442 shows a floor polishing machine havinga fan for ventilating the motor elements.

lrgens U.S. Pat. No. 2,138,239 shows a self-propelled powered lawnmowerhaving a handle grip for controlling forward and rearward movement ofthe lawnmower.

Bowker U.S. Pat. No. 2,348,053 shows a battery operated motor vehiclehaving a dynamotor within each wheel.

Voigt U.S. Pat. No. 2,706,008 shows a powered golf bag carrier having aworm gear arrangement providing increased power under heavy loadingconditions and braking means to secure the carrier in a stationaryposition.

Kirby U.S. Pat. No. 2,823,411 shows a vacuum cleaner with the fan motoralso driving a brush in the nozzle.

Thomas U.S. Pat. No. 2,879,858 shows a battery driven vehicle whereinthe current supplied to the drive motor is varied in accordance with thetension applied to the handle thereof.

Chandler U.S. Pat. No. 2,937,706 shows a selfpropelled cart having ahandle controlling the electric drive motor thereof with the amount ofpull on the handle varying the force developed by the motor.

Cockrell U.S. Pat. No. 3,095,534 shows a circuit for controllingenergization of a direct current load utilizing a controlled rectifierin controlling the current to the motor armature. Gilbreath U.S. Pat.No. 3,195,029 shows a series motor control using a controlled rectifierin similarly controlling the current to the motor armature. Heyman eta1. U.S. Pat. No. 3,222,582 shows a motor system utilizing controlledrectifiers.

Norton et a1. U.S. Pat. No. 3,225,853 show a control handle for a golfcart providing adjustable power as a function of the magnitude of theapplied force.

Jonsson U.S. Pat. No. 3,354,496 shows a vacuum cleaner nozzle having anagitator driven by an electric motor.

Marsteller U.S. Pat. No. 3,385,077 shows an air conditioner whereinmodulation of the air flow is controlled by an optical system utilizinga photocell. Hutson U.S. Pat. No. 3,475,676 shows a photosensitive powercontrol system utilizing similar optical means.

Baumann U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,874 shows a control switch for an electricrazor having an operating knob which is selectively slidable, pivotable,or rockable in the casing.

Thus, the prior art shows the concept of propelling means such asautomobiles, lawnmowers, golf bag carriers, and golf carts byself-contained motor driven power means. The art further shows the useof pushpull, longitudinally movable controls such as in electricswitches, dental instruments, lawnmowers, and golf carts.

The prior art further shows the use of vacuum clean ers having motordriven suction fans and motor driven agitators. Still further, it isknown to use direct current motors for reverse driving of devices and touse controlled rectifier means for controlling the current flow to sucha motor for varying the speed and torque thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprehends a vacuumcleaner construction having new and improved control .means foreffecting controlled self-propelling thereof.

indifferent embodiments of the invention. The cooling air may be drawnthrough the motor by the vacuum cleaner suction fan or may be deliveredto the motor under pressure from the suction fan in differentembodiments of the invention. The cooling air may comprise air fromwhich dirt has been removed by the vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, thecooling air may comprise atmospheric air drawn by the suction fanconcurrently with the drawing of the dirt laden air to the dirtseparating means. The cooling air may be passed through the interior ofthe motor housing through suitable openings therein and may also bedirected against the exterior of the housing by deflecting means such asthe drive wheels as discussed above.

The drive wheels may comprise cup-shaped elements partially surroundingthe motor housing while leaving a passage therebetween intermediate theends of the motor housing for passing cooling air therethrough.

The means for controlling the operation of the propelling motor mayinclude an electronic switch phase controlled to vary the current to themotor as a function of the position of the handle means. The control mayfunction to provide power during each half cycle of the alternatingcurrent power supply. Alternatively, the control may function to providecurrent only during similar polarity half cycles of the alternatingcurrent power supply to selectively reversely operate the motor as afunction of the selected polarity.

The phase controlled electronic switch may comprise a controlledrectifier. In one form, the rectifier comprises a bidirectional triodethyristor. In another embodiment, the rectifier comprises a siliconcontrolled rectifier. In one embodiment, the means for controlling thecontrol gate of the controlled rectifier comprises a bidirectionaltrigger diode. In another embodiment, the means for controlling thecontrol gate comprises a silicon unilateral switch.

Phase control of the controlled rectifier may be provided by varying aresistance in the control circuit thereof. In one embodiment, thevariable resistance comprises a potentiometer. The potentiometer mayhave a gap in the mid-portion of the resistor thereof to provide an Offcondition. In another embodiment, the variable resistor comprises aphotocell and means for varying the amount of light striking thephotocell from a light source for providing a low cost, long lifeadjustable resistance means. The means for varying the transmitted lightmay comprise a suitable mask positioned by the handle of the vacuumcleaner.

In another embodiment of control wherein the motor is operated only onsimilar polarity half cycles of the alternating current power supply,the variable resistance is connected to the means for triggering thecontrolled rectifier through a parallel inverse diode circuit. Selectionof the polarity of the motor operating current may be obtained byconnecting a potentiometer resistor across the parallel circuit with theslider of the potentiometer connected to the motor. Alternatively,selection of the polarity may be effected by a selector switch havingthe moving contact selectively engage- I able with fixed contactsconnected one each to the different inversely connected diodes.

More specifically, the present invention comprehends the provision in avacuum cleaner having an operating handle and a wheeled drive includingan electric drive motor and wheels driven by said motor, of controlmeans for controlling the propelling of the vacuum cleaner by thewheeled drive comprising a direct current motor, a full wave rectifierfor supplying direct current to said motor from an alternating currentpower supply, an electronic switch in series with the motor having acontrol gate element, and means responsive to the position of theoperating handle relative to an Off position thereof for controlling thecontrol gate element and correspondingly providing phase controlledconduction of direct current through the motor during each half cycle ofthe alternating current power.

Further more specifically, the electronic switch thereof may comprise abidirectional triode thyristor and the means responsive to the positionof the operating handle for controlling the thyristor may include abidirectional trigger diode having one terminal connected to the controlgate element, parallel, inverse diodes connected to the other terminalof the trigger diode, a capacitor connected between the other terminalof the trigger diode and the power supply, and resistance meansadjustably connected to the inverse diodes.

Further more specifically, alternatively, the invention comprehends theprovision in a vacuum cleaner having an operating handle and a wheeleddrive including an electric drive motor and wheels driven by the motor,of control means for controlling the propelling of the vacuum cleaner bythe wheeled drive comprising a direct current motor, adjustable phasecontrolled means for providing current to the motor only during similarpolarity half cycles of the alternating current power, and means forselecting the half cycle polarity during which the current is providedfor selective reversible operation of the motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Other features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner embodying theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary rear elevation thereof with portions of the rearcover of the bag enclosure removed to illustrate details;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical section illustrating thehandle switch control means;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section illustrating the propellingmeans mounted to the carriage of the vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 6 is a diametric section taken substantial the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electric drive control;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view with portions broken away illustratingone embodiment of the invention wherein cooling air is delivered fromthe suction fan to the drive motor;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation thereof;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation thereof with the nozzle in araised position;

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating another embodiment of the inventionwherein cooling air is sucked through the drive motor to pass with dirtladen air to the dirt separating means;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation thereof;

y along FIG. 13 is a fragmentary side elevation thereof with the nozzlein a raised position;

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating another embodiment of the inventionwherein cooling air is drawn through the drive motor to the suctioninlet of the fan;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary side elevation thereof;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side elevation thereof with the nozzle in araised position;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary side elevation of the vacuum cleanerconstruction of FIG. 5;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary side elevation thereof with the nozzle in araised position;

FIG. 19 is a schematic wiring diagram of a modified form of electricalcontrol of the drive means;

FIG. 20 isa schematic wiring diagram illustrating a still furthermodified control;

FIG. 21 is an elevation of a mask for use in thecontrol of FIGS. 20 and24;

FIG. 22 is a schematic wiring diagram of yet another modified form ofcontrol;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary schematic wiring diagram illustrating amodification of the control of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a schematic wiring diagram of yet another drive controlembodying the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the exemplary embodiments ofthe invention as disclosed in the drawing, a vacuum cleaner generallydesignated is shown to comprise an upright vacuum cleaner having anozzle 11 and an upstanding bag enclosure 12 provided with a frontclosure 51. The nozzle is mounted to a carriage 13 hereinprovided withrear wheels 14. A brush and beater bar 15 is mounted at the front of thenozzle to be driven from'the suction fan motor 16 by suitable means (notshown). Herein the vacuum cleaner is driven by a propelling meansgenerally designated 17 comprising a drivemotor 18 and a pair of drivewheels 19 and 20 secured to the oppositely projecting shaft ends 21 and22 of the drive motor. As

shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing23 of the drive motor may be securedto the carriage 13 by a suitable bracket 24 and screws 25.

Wheels 19 and 20 define cup-shaped elements facing toward each othercoaxially of the motor as illustrated in FIG. 6. Thus, wheel 19 definesan end wall 26 and a cylindrical side wall 27, and wheel 20 defines anend wall 28 and a cylindrical side wall 29. The distal end 30 of wheelside wall 27 is spaced longitudinally from the distal end 31 of sidewall 29 to define a space 32 therebetween for passing cooling air.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, 17 and 18, cooling air may be deliveredfrom the suction fan 45 through a duct 33 to the'interior of motorhousing 23 through an inlet opening 34 in the housing. After passingthrough the housing, the cooling air may exhaust through the oppositeends 35 and 36 of the housing. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 the cup-shapedwheels are spaced axially and circumferentially from the housing todefine flow paths 37 whereby the air deflected by the wheels isdelivered to the space 32 to exhaust to the atmosphere. As shown in FIG.8, the dirt laden air is conducted to bag 39 by means of a duct 40extending from the nozzle 11 into the enclosure 12 wherein the bag isreceived. A duct 41 connects the enclosure 12 to the suction inlet 42 ofthe fan 45. The shroud 43 extending about the fan motor 16 is providedwith a discharge opening 44 for discharging air from the fan 45 toatmosphere. As shown in FIG. 8, the duct 33 opens through the shroud 43for receiving a portion of the air delivered from fan 45 for delivery tothe drive motor.

As shown in FIGS. l7 and 18, the nozzle 11 may be pivoted on thecarriage 13 by means of a projection 46 on housing 12 engaging a lever47 pivotally mounted on a bracket 48 carried by the carriage 13. Thus,the wheel drive 17 is maintained in engagement with the subjacent floorF while the nozzle may be pivoted to space the brush and beater barabove the floor level by suitable pivoting of the enclosure 12 on thecarriage. Duct 33 maintains the connection between the suction fan andmotor 18 in the different relationships of the nozzle and carriage, asillustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

Vacuum cleaner 10 is propelled on the subjacent floor by suitableenergization of drive motor 18 as a result of pressure applied to ahandle 49 upstanding from the bag housing 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1.As shown in FIG. 2, bag enclosure 12 includes a rear portion 50. Removalof rear closure 52 of housing 12 provides access to the space 520 withinthe rear portion 50. Handle 49 extends through the top wall 53 of thehousing portion and is provided with a slide tube 54 internallycarryinga housing 55 defining a cam 56 selectively engageable with the actuator57 of a first switch 58 and the actuator 59 of a second. switch 60. Theswitches are carried on the rear housing portion 50. A centering devicegenerally designated 61 is mounted in housing 55 for centering the cam56 between the actuators 57 and 59, as shown in FIG. 4.

More specifically, the centering device includes a rod 62 fixedlysecured to the housing portion 50 by a pin 63. Rod 62 is provided with apin 64 intermediate the ends 65 and 66 of housing 55. A first coilspring 67 extends coaxially about rod 62 to a washer 68 slidably mountedon the rod adjacent pin 64. A second coil spring 69 extends from housingend 65 to a washer 70 slidably mounted on rod 62 oppositely adjacent pin64. Slide tube 54 further is provided with an actuator 71, as shown inFIG. 2, for controlling the setting of a potentiometer '72 carried onthe housing portion 50. As further shown in FIG. 2, a control 73 ismounted on the housing portion 50 adjacent upper wall 53 and a cord reel74 is mounted to the housing portion 50 at the lower opposite end with apower supply cord 75 extending from reel 74 outwardly through thehousing for connecting the vacuum cleaner to a power source such as aconventionalwall receptacle (not shown).

Operation of the vacuum cleaner may best be understood by reference tothe schematic electrical wiring diagram of FIG. 7. As shown, drive motor18 illustratively comprises a permanent magnet direct current motorhaving an armature 76 connected between the moving contacts 60a ofswitch 60 and contacts 58a of switch 58. Direct current power isdelivered to the motor 18 from alternating current power supply leads L1and L2 connected to a full wave bridge rectifier 77 through a singlepole, single throw interlock switch 78. The positive output terminal 77aof the full wave bridge rectifier is connected to fixed contacts 60b and58b of switches 60 and 58, respectively. A resistor 79 and a resistor 80are connected in series between terminal 77a and the negative terminal77b of rectifier 77. Diode 81 is connected between terminal 77a andsecond fixed contact 60c of switch 60 and second fixed contact 580 ofswitch 58 and through a silicon controlled rectifier 82 to negativeterminal 77b. Diode 81 is further connected through a second inverselyrelated diode 83 to the potentiometer 72, having its slider 72aconnected to a fixed resistor 84 and a drive motor speed selector switch85. Switch 85, in turn, is connected through a fixed resistor 86 and acapacitor 87 to power terminal 77b. A silicon unilateral switch 88 hasits gate 88a connected to terminal 89 between resistors 79 and 80.Switch 88 is connected from a terminal 90 between resistor 86 andcapacitor 87 to the gate 82a of the silicon controlled rectifier 82. Aresistor 91 is connected from rectifier gate 82a to power terminal 77band a series connection of a resistor 92 and capacitor 93 is connectedacross the rectifier gate 82a. A jumper 72b is connected to the oppositeends of the resistor 720 of potentiometer 72.

As discussed above, longitudinal movement of handle 49 by theapplication of force thereto by the users hand, as shown in FIG. 1,causes a corresponding movement of cam 56, as shown in FIG. 4, toactuate either forward switch 60 or reverse switch 58 as a function ofthe direction of force application to the handle. Further, the amount oflongitudinal handle movement effected controls the positioning of theslider 7221 of potentiometer 72 to control the silicon unilateral switch88 and thereby control the amount of current passed by the controlledrectifier 82 thereby to control the speed and torque of the motor 18. Asshown in FIG. 7, when forward switch 60 is closed, i.e., by a downwardmovement of cam 56 (FIG. 4), moving contact 60a closes with fixedcontact 60b to provide power from positive power supply terminal 77athrough motor armature 76, switch 58 and through the silicon controlledrectifier to negative terminal 77b. Phase control of silicon controlledrectifier 82 is effected by the setting of slider 72a relative toresistor 72c of potentiometer 72 so as to vary the amount the currentpassed by rectifier 82 depending on the amount of displacement of slider72a from the center position 72d of resistor 72c.

Reversely, similarly, where the handle is moved rearwardly' so as tomove cam 56 upwardly to close switch 58, positive power supply terminal770 is connected through moving contact 58a of switch 58 to motorarmature 76 and through switch 60 and silicon controlled rectifier tothe negative power terminal 77b causing a reverse operation of the motor18 under the speed control of potentiometer 72.

Electrical components of one control found to provide excellentfunctioning as described above, are as follows: I

Modified controls suitable for use in controlling the operation of amotor corresponding to motor 18 are illustrated in FIGS. 19-24. As shownin FIG. 19, a control generally designated 173 is shown to include afull wave rectifier 177 connected to the alternating current powersupply leads L1 and L2. A selector switch 194 is connected to the outputterminals 177a and [77b of the power supply for selectively connectingpower supply terminal 177a to a motor terminal 195 or a terminal 196 andpower supply terminal 177b concurrently to terminal 196 or terminal 195as a function of the position of the vacuum cleaner handle. The meansfor controlling current through the motor 181 comprises a controlledrectifier illustratively comprising a bidirectional triode thyristor, ortriac, 197 having its gate 197a controlled by a bidirectional triggerdiode, or diac, 198 connected in series with a fixed resistor 199 and apotentiometer 172 to a terminal 200 connected between motor 181 andtriac 197. Triac 197 is connected between motor 181 and terminal 196 anda capacitor 201 is connected from a terminal 202 between diac 198 andresistor 199 and terminal 196 and the resistor 1720 has its oppositeends connected by a jumper 172b.

Thus, current flow to motor 181 is controlled by the triac 197 under thephase control of diac 198 which, in turn, is controlled by the settingof potentiometer slider 172a and switch 194 by the vacuum cleaner handleto provide selectively reversible operation of the vacuum cleanerwheeled drive motor at different speeds and torques as desired.

As shown in FIG. 20, the portion of the control 173 connected toterminals 195 and 196 may be modified to utilize a photocell 203 in lieuof potentiometer 172 as a variable resistance for controlling the diac198. A neon lamp 204 may be connected between terminals 195 and 196 fordirecting light to the photocell 203. A mask 205 carried for movementwith the vacuum cleaner handle 49 is interposed between lamp 204 andphotocell 203 to control the resistance of the photocell. As shown inFIG. 21, the mask 205 includes an opaque portion 205a defined bydownwardly opening cusps 205b and upwardly opening cusps 205C forvarying the amount of light received by the photocell as a function ofthe movement of the mask from a centered position under the control ofthe vacuum cleaner handle. The control of FIG. 20 thus provides animproved long life control as frictional wear of control elements isavoided.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24, further modified control means for controllinga wheeled drive motor 183 of the vacuum cleaner are shown to providesuch control under half wave voltage conditions. More specifically, asshown in FIG. 22, motor 183 may be connected through a triac 1973 acrossthe alternating current power supply leads L1 and L2. The triac is phasecontrolled by a diac 1983 connected to its gate 197a. A capacitor 2013is connected from power supply lead L2 to terminal 202. A fixed resistor1993 is connected from terminal 200 to the slider 172a of potentiometer1723 having its resistor 172; connected between parallel inverse diodes206 and 207 which, in turn, are connected to terminal 202. Resistor 1720preferably has a relatively high value, such as 4 or 5 megohms, and thusprevents triggering of the triac 1973 when in the center position, asshown in FIG. 22. However, when the vacuum cleaner handle is moved ineither direction to correspondingly move the slider 172a, the triac istriggered during similar half cycles of the alternating current powersupply. Thus, illustratively, when the slider 172a is moved upwardly, asseen in FIG. 22, the triac is triggered on positive half cycles and whenthe slider is moved downwardly, the triac is triggered on negative halfcycles. Further, as the total resistance of the circuit through thediode varies as the amount of movement of the slider 172a, motor 183 iscontrolled not only as to direction of movement, but also as to speedand torque by the phase control of triac 11973 by diac 1983.

As shown in FIG. 23, the potentiometer may be provided with a modifiedresistor 172d having a gap l72e at the center portion so that when theslider 172a is in the center'position, the control will be in an Offcondition as no current can flow to the diac 1983 from terminal 200.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a further modified control is shown tocomprise a control similar to that illustrated in FIG. 22 but whereinthe variable resistance is provided by photocell 2035 in lieu of thepotentiometer 172 and the switching function is provided by a selectorswitch 208 having its moving contact 208a connected in series with thephotocell 2035, one fixed contact 208b connected to diode 2075, and asecond fixed contact 2080 connected to diode 2065. The resistance ofphotocell 2035 is controlled by lamp 2045 and mask 205 as describedabove relative to the control of FIG. 20. Switch 208 is operated byhandle 49 concurrently with the moving of mask 205 to provide thedesired reverse operation of vacuum cleaner drive motor 185 concurrentlywith the speed and torque control thereof by the control of the variableresistance of photocell 2035. The control of FIG. 24 is similar to thecontrol of FIG. 22 in that the operation of the motor 185 is by similarpolarity half cycles of the alternating current power supply by means ofthe inverse parallel diodes 2065 and 2075.

Illustrative circuit components for the elements of the controls ofFIGS. 19-24 are as follows:

172 potentiometer -1 Megohm 177 Full wave rectifier 200 Volt PRV, 4 amp.181 Motor American-Lincoln PM DC 194 Selector switch DPDT 197' Triac GE,SC 40B 198 Diac GE, ST-2 199 Resistor 30 Kilohms 201 Capacitor 0.1 rnfd182 Motor American-Lincoln PM DC 1972 Triac GE, SC 408 1982 Diac GE,ST-2 1992 Resistor 30 Kilohms 2012 Capacitor 0.1 mfd 203 PhotocellVactec VT-lOlH 204 Lamp Signalite Neon 1723 Potentiometer 0-1 Megohm 183Motor American-Lincoln PM DC 1973 Triac GE, SC 408 1983 Diac GE, ST-21993 Resistor 30 Kilohms 2013 Capacitor 0-1 mfd 206 Diode 1N 1694 207Diode IN 1694 1724 Potentiometer 0-1 Me ohm 2064 ode 1N 169 2074 DiodeIN 1694 185 Motor American-Lincoln PM DC 1975 Triac GE, SC 403 2035Photocell Vactec VT-lOl H 2065 Diode IN 1694 2075 Diode IN 1694 2045Lamp Signalite Neon The modified controls of FIGS. 119-24 function inthe vacuum cleaner structure similarly to the control 73 except asotherwise noted above.

Referring now to FIGS. 111-116, the vacuum cleaner construction mayinclude modified means for effecting the delivery of cooling air to thedrive motor 18 by means of the suction fan 45. Thus, as shown in FIGS.11-13, a duct 209 may be connected between the motor housing opening 341and the suction duct 40 leading from the nozzle 11 to the dirtcollecting chamber 38. Thus, the suction pressure effected by fan 45serving to draw dirt laden airinto the vacuum cleaner concurrentlyserves to draw air through the motor housing 23 to cool the drive motorby sucking the air therethrough to the dirt separating chamber.

Referring now to FIGS. 114-116, a further modified form of vacuumcleaner construction embodying the invention is shown to include a duct210 connecting the motor housingopening 3410 directly to the suctioninlet 420 of the fan 4150 defined by the shroud 430. Thus, the coolingair sucked through the drive motor is delivered directly to fan 450rather than through the dirt separating chamber as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 111-113. In all other respects, the vacuum cleaner constructionsof FIGS. 11-16 are similar to the vacuum cleaner constructionillustrated in FIGS. 8-10 and similar elements thereof are identified byrelated reference numerals.

Thus, the vacuum cleaner constructions of the present invention providean improved facilitated propelling of the vacuum cleaner over thesurface to be cleaned. The drive motor of the propelling means and thesuction fan of the vacuum cleaner are cooperatively associated forimproved efficiency and low cost of the unit. Improved trouble-free,long life control means are provided for effecting desired reversibledriving of the propelling means. The vacuum cleaner constructions of thepresent invention are extremely simple and economical of manufacturewhile yet providing the highly desirable features discussed above.

The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is illustrative of thebroad inventive concepts comprehended by the invention.

1 claim:

I. In a vacuum cleaner having a selectively positionable operatinghandle and a wheeled drive including an electric drive motor, conductormeans for connecting the vacuum cleaner to an alternating current powersupply, the wheels driven by said motor, control means for controllingthe propelling of the vacuum cleaner by said wheeled drive comprising: adirect current motor; a bidirectional triode thyristor in series withsaid motor and said conductor means and having a control gate element;and means responsive to the position of said op erating handle relativeto an Off position thereof for controlling said control gate element andcorrespondingly providing phase controlled conduction of direct currentthrough said motor during similar polarity half cycles of thealternating current power, including a bidirectional trigger diodehaving one terminal connected to said control gate element, parallelconnected inverse diodes connected to the other terminal of said triggerdiode, a capacitor connected between said other terminal of the triggerdiode and said conductor means, and adjustable means includingadjustable resistance means electrically connected in series with saidinverse diodes and said trigger diode, and to said conductor means, saidadjustable resistance means including a first resistance portion havinga terminal connected to one of said diodes, a second resistance portionhaving a terminal connected to the other of said diodes, and meansinterconnecting said resistance portions opposite from said terminals tosaid conduction means, the adjustable resistance means being adjusted inresponse to positioning of said handle relative to said Off position andproviding preferential current flow through a selected one of saiddiodes depending on the direction of movement of said handle from saidOff position.

2-. In a vacuum cleaner having a selectively positionable operatinghandle and a wheeled drive including an electric drive motor, conductormeans for connecting the vacuum cleaner to an alternating current powersupply, and wheels driven by said motor, control means for controllingthe propelling of the vacuum cleaner by said wheeled drive comprising: adirect current motor; a first, bidirectional electronic switch means inseries with said motor and said conductor means and having a controlgate element; and means responsive to the position of said operatinghandle relative to an Off position thereof for controlling said controlgate element and correspondingly providing phase controlled conductionof direct current through said motor during similar polarity half cyclesof the alternating current power to operate said drive motor selectivelyin either a forward driving direction or a rearward driving direction,including a bidirectional trigger diode connected to said control gateelement, parallel connected inverse diodes connected in series with saidtrigger diode, and manually operable adjustable means electricallyconnected in series with said inverse diodes and said trigger diode, andto said conductor means, said adjustable means being responsive to thedirection and magnitude of displacement of said handle from said Offposition for causing preferential conduction of current through acorresponding selected one of said inverse diodes for causing saidsecond electronic switch means to control said first electronic switchmeans to effect said selec tive controlled'operation of said drivemotor.

3. The vacuum cleaner means of claim 2 wherein said control meansincludes biasing means urging said handle to said Off position when thehandle is released.

4. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 2 wherein said adjustablemeans includes variable resistance means.

5. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 4 wherein said resistancemeans comprises a potentiometer having its resistor connected betweenthe inverse diodes, and its slider connected to a fixed resistor.

6. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 4 wherein said resistancemeans comprises a potentiometer having its resistor connected betweenthe inverse diodes and its slider connected to said motor through afixed resistor.

7. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 4 wherein said resistancemeans comprises a potentiometer having its resistor connected betweenthe inverse diodes and its slider connected to said motor, the resistorof said potentiometer having a gap at the center thereof for defining anOff arrangement when the slider is positioned at said gap.

8. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 2 wherein said adjustablemeans comprises photocell means and means for varying the amount oflight striking the photocell means as a function of the position of saidhandle.

9. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 2 wherein said adjustablemeans comprises photocell means, light source means for actuating thephotocell means, and mask means interposed between the photocell andlight source means for varying the amount of light falling on saidphotocell means from said source means as a function of the position ofsaid handle for causing said photocell means to control operation of themotor.

10. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 9 wherein said adjustablemeans further comprises selector means for selectively connecting thephotocell means alternatively to either of said inverse diodescomprising a double throw switch arranged to be operated by said handle.

11. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 2 wherein saidbidirectional trigger diode has one terminal connected to said controlgate element, said inverse diodes being connected to the other terminalof the trigger diode, said means for controlling the control gateelement further including a capacitor connected between said otherterminal of the trigger diode and said power supply, and said adjustablemeans comprises resistance means.

1. In a vacuum cleaner having a selectively positionable operatinghandle and a wheeled drive including an electric drive motor, conductormeans for connecting the vacuum cleaner to an alternating current powersupply, the wheels driven by said motor, control means for controllingthe propelling of the vacuum cleaner by said wheeled drive comprising: adirect current motor; a bidirectional triode thyristor in series withsaid motor and said conductor means and having a control gate element;and means responsive to the position of said operating handle relativeto an ''''Off'''' position thereof for controlling said control gateelement and correspondingly providing phase controlled conduction ofdirect current through said motor during similar polarity half cycles ofthe alternating current power, including a bidirectional trigger diodehaving one terminal connected to said control gate element, parallelconnected inverse diodes connected to the other terminal of said triggerdiode, a capacitor connected between said other terminal of the triggerdiode and said conductor means, and adjustable means includingadjustable resistance means electrically connected in series with saidinverse diodes and said trigger diode, and to said conductor means, saidadjustable resistance means including a first resistance portion havinga terminal connected to one of said diodes, a second resistance portionhaving a terminal connected to the other of said diodes, and meansinterconnecting said resistance portions opposite from said terminals tosaid conduction means, the adjustable resistance means being adjusted inresponse to positioning of said handle relative to said Off position andproviding preferential current flow through a selected one of saiddiodes depending on the direction of movement of said handle from saidOff position.
 2. In a vacuum cleaner having a selectively positionableoperating handle and a wheeled drive including an electric drive motor,conductor means for connecting the vacuum cleaner to an alternatingcurrent power supply, and wheels driven by said motor, control means forcontrolling the propelling of the vacuum cleaner by said wheeled drivecomprising: a direct current motor; a first, bidirectional electronicswitch means in series with said motor and said conductor means andhaving a control gate element; and means responsive to the position ofsaid operating handle relative to an Off position thereof forcOntrolling said control gate element and correspondingly providingphase controlled conduction of direct current through said motor duringsimilar polarity half cycles of the alternating current power to operatesaid drive motor selectively in either a forward driving direction or arearward driving direction, including a bidirectional trigger diodeconnected to said control gate element, parallel connected inversediodes connected in series with said trigger diode, and manuallyoperable adjustable means electrically connected in series with saidinverse diodes and said trigger diode, and to said conductor means, saidadjustable means being responsive to the direction and magnitude ofdisplacement of said handle from said Off position for causingpreferential conduction of current through a corresponding selected oneof said inverse diodes for causing said second electronic switch meansto control said first electronic switch means to effect said selectivecontrolled operation of said drive motor.
 3. The vacuum cleaner means ofclaim 2 wherein said control means includes biasing means urging saidhandle to said Off position when the handle is released.
 4. The vacuumcleaner control means of claim 2 wherein said adjustable means includesvariable resistance means.
 5. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim4 wherein said resistance means comprises a potentiometer having itsresistor connected between the inverse diodes, and its slider connectedto a fixed resistor.
 6. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 4wherein said resistance means comprises a potentiometer having itsresistor connected between the inverse diodes and its slider connectedto said motor through a fixed resistor.
 7. The vacuum cleaner controlmeans of claim 4 wherein said resistance means comprises a potentiometerhaving its resistor connected between the inverse diodes and its sliderconnected to said motor, the resistor of said potentiometer having a gapat the center thereof for defining an Off arrangement when the slider ispositioned at said gap.
 8. The vacuum cleaner control means of claim 2wherein said adjustable means comprises photocell means and means forvarying the amount of light striking the photocell means as a functionof the position of said handle.
 9. The vacuum cleaner control means ofclaim 2 wherein said adjustable means comprises photocell means, lightsource means for actuating the photocell means, and mask meansinterposed between the photocell and light source means for varying theamount of light falling on said photocell means from said source meansas a function of the position of said handle for causing said photocellmeans to control operation of the motor.
 10. The vacuum cleaner controlmeans of claim 9 wherein said adjustable means further comprisesselector means for selectively connecting the photocell meansalternatively to either of said inverse diodes comprising a double throwswitch arranged to be operated by said handle.
 11. The vacuum cleanercontrol means of claim 2 wherein said bidirectional trigger diode hasone terminal connected to said control gate element, said inverse diodesbeing connected to the other terminal of the trigger diode, said meansfor controlling the control gate element further including a capacitorconnected between said other terminal of the trigger diode and saidpower supply, and said adjustable means comprises resistance means.